American athletes have another attitude. that blonde guy who won the gold in swimming, not phelps but the other guy didn't he come in making a show in a big robe putting his fists up etc....
The US boxers walk around like they're king kong too
entirely regardless of quality most other nations' athletes are more humble-sleepers
All the dutch people who do well relativize themselves into nothing all the time. Not saying that's the best or the only good way, but it's a noticeable and interesting difference.
Phelps comes across a bit arrogant as he does not greet the people or anything but then again maybe thats how he concentrates, and to each his own.